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24 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

Every time we purposely leave an impression or utter As laypeople, it’s common to engage in gossip or
a word that is not totally—impeccably—true, we are idle chatter — often about celebrities, politics, or
testifying to our belief in externals, our belief in dual coworkers — with no intent to harm. If this speech
concepts as truth. That’s wrong view. is not obviously malicious, does it still fall under
Wrong Speech? Is all idle talk unwholesome or are
If you stay silent when you are a direct witness to conflict there contexts in which it might be harmless or
or injustice, the skillful way to approach it is to make a even helpful?
point to speak to the person or people causing conflict,
privately. This corresponds to the guideline about speaking In most cases, I think it is important to refrain from
in a timely way. If they don’t respond in a positive way, idle talk and try to speak meaningfully. The exception
don’t argue or accuse, causing further conflict. would be friendly chatter with the intent to get to
know someone, to help create a collegial relationship
If someone tells a colleague that another person with a new co-worker, or to cheer someone up when
dislikes her — and this is factually true — but doing so they are down or ill.
leads to greater conflict, would this still be considered
Right Speech simply because it was truthful? How do But if you are gossiping about celebrities, the problems
we navigate truth when it causes harm? of political figures, or how much weight a mutual friend
gained, that qualifies as wrong speech. And aren’t there
Absolutely not. We should not share that information, more important things to life to discuss?
even if it’s the truth. There is a lot wrong with that
concept. It is not up to us to speak for the other person. There should be a guideline about talking only from a
The restraints, antidotes, and guidelines taught by the sense of purpose. The Buddha said, “If he is called to tell
Buddha is a package deal. They work together, like the what he knows, he answers if he knows nothing: ‘I know
Noble Eightfold Path. You can’t take one separated from nothing.’ And if he knows, he answers, ‘I know.’”
the other as the guideline for right speech. We need to
reflect on them all and use the combination to form our What has been your most meaningful or surprising
intention and guide our mindfulness. insight from practicing Right Speech in your own
life? How has it changed the way you relate to others
Is it possible to speak mindfully — with awareness — or to yourself?
and presence — but still fall into Wrong Speech?
What does this teach us about the relationship My most meaningful insight is understanding that speech
between mindfulness and ethical speech? in my mind is the most important ingredient of Right
Speech. If my mind is repeating judgmental, divisive, angry,
If you’re truly being aware and present, you could or sarcastic talk-thoughts, then it is very likely that those
still fall into wrong speech. Mindfulness is something thoughts will tumble off my tongue.
different than just awareness and presence. True
mindfulness needs to have components of intention and I use this guideline from The Thirty-Seven Practices
th
a sustained practice of awareness to be effective. of Bodhisattvas by Ngulchu Togmay Zangpo. The 36
We are frequently sabotaged by our good intentions practice:
through reactivity that comes from a habit of doing
or saying certain things repeatedly. You can maintain In brief, whatever you are doing,
awareness only to find yourself practicing wrong speech Ask yourself “What’s the state of my mind?”
because you haven’t set an intention to practice right With constant mindfulness and mental alertness
speech. You can intend to speak mindfully, but if you’re Accomplish others’ good —
not aware of what’s in your mind before you speak, This is the practice of Bodhisattvas. EH
then again, reactivity can short-circuit your intentions.
Intention without action is only a wish.